The Department of Public Defense (DPD) is now actively recruiting 3rd year law students, judicial clerks, and fellows to begin employment after August 2021. The successful applicant will have a demonstrated commitment to social justice and advocacy on behalf of indigent persons. She or he will also have a demonstrated ability to engage in thoughtful legal analysis, accept feedback on writing and other legal skills, and engage with marginalized communities. The scope of representation expected of an attorney is determined by the nature of the case assignment and the Rules of Professional Conduct. Caseload standards are established in accordance with the State Supreme Court’s Standards for Indigent Defense, union bargaining agreements, and the Washington State Bar Association Guidelines. Attorneys in the Department of Public Defense are expected to participate in ongoing training to improve their level of practice.
We will be holding a remote open house on September 15, 2020, for those who would like to learn more about our program. Please go to https://kingcounty.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJUkceCpqTguG9X6vVWoWOegjSz7... to register for the open house.
DPD provides legal representation to indigent clients in several practice areas, including felonies, misdemeanors, juvenile defense, family defense, involuntary commitment, sex offender commitment, and contempt of court. The department also works to address racial disproportionality, and other structural and/or systemic issues that undermine the rights of our clients. It employs not only attorneys, but also skilled investigators, mitigation specialists, paralegals, and other support staff. Expert services are regularly funded, in keeping with state court rules. The department offers attorneys the support and training needed to provide the highest quality legal representation.
Job Duties:
Based on assignment, include the following:
-Provide legal representation and advocacy to indigent clients.
-Handle all aspects of representation.
-Research, write, and argue pretrial motions.
-Conduct plea negotiation and mitigation.
-Conduct jury or bench trials.
-Locate, work with, and prepare experts in various fields.
-Work with clients struggling with mental illness, drug addiction, lack of English proficiency, or other barriers.
-Work with youth and children.
-Work closely with and in some instance lead a team of investigators, mitigation specialists, and paralegals.
-Handle on-call 24 hour coverage, which currently is approximately one week a year or two Saturday calendars.
-Other duties as assigned.
Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills:
Attorney - 3rd year Law Student/Clerk/Fellow:
-JD from an accredited law school by December 2020 through June 2021.
-Demonstrated commitment to advocacy on behalf of marginalized communities.
-Excellent demonstrated analytical, research, writing, and oral advocacy skills.
-Ability to manage a caseload in a fast-paced environment.
-Plans to take the Washington State Bar Examination in July 2021 or, for clerks and fellows, admission to the bar in another state that would enable qualification under Rule 8.
-Agreement to become qualified to practice in the State of Washington as a Rule 9 until successful bar admission in 2021.
-A valid Washington State driver's license or the ability to travel throughout King County in a timely manner.
Desired qualifications:
-Proficiency in languages other than English, particularly Spanish.
-Clinical training in public defense.
-Criminal defense experience.
Please note: Candidates will be offered positions based upon performance in the selection process and the needs of the work unit. All offers are contingent upon receipt of acceptable references and background screening results.
Who May Apply:
Attorney - 3rd Year Law Student: This recruitment is open to 3rd year law student candidates graduating between December 2020 and June 2021, and may be used to fill current and/or future career service and term-limited temporary positions in any of the Department's four divisions and/or office locations in King County. Applications will be screened at the end of the recruitment period and the most competitive candidates may be invited to participate in interviews beginning on or about October 19, 2020.
Fellow/Clerk: This recruitment is open to attorney applicants engaged in legal fellowships or clerkships, and may be used to fill future career service and term-limited temporary positions in any of the department's four divisions and/or office locations in King County.
Work Schedule: The normal work schedule is Monday through Friday, with some night and weekend work. This position meets the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act and is not eligible for overtime.
Rotation Requirement and Locations:
Rotation of staff practice area and/or work location occurs based on business need.
These positions will initially be assigned to work in any of the following Seattle and/or Kent work locations:
-Dexter Horton Building, 710 Second Avenue, Seattle;
-Jefferson Street Building, 1401 East Jefferson, Seattle;
-Meeker Street Building, 420 West Harrison Street, Kent, or
-908 Jefferson St. Seattle.
If assigned to the civil commitment unit, assignments are to hospitals/treatment centers throughout the county.
Union Membership: Positions in this classification are recognized by Service Employee's International Union, Local 925.
Where to Apply: Interested individuals should submit an online King County application, cover letter, resume, and short writing sample. You can find the online application at: http://www.kingcounty.gov/audience/employees/careers.aspx.
Electronic submission is preferred. For inquiries, please feel free to contact Susan Eddy at [email protected] or via phone at 206-477-6003.
Note: Online applications are preferred. However, if you cannot apply online, go to www.kingcounty.gov/jobs for other options.
If you need an accommodation in the recruitment process or an alternate format of this announcement, please inquire directly with the contact listed on the job announcement or the department's Human Resources Service Delivery Manager.
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To Apply
If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions please contact your recruiter listed on this job announcement.